Health Tip: Buy a Safe Toy Chest

Suggestions to help protect your child

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(HealthDay News) -- Toy chests, sometimes called toy boxes, can pose safety hazards if used improperly. These include the possibility of trapping a child inside, or the lid falling on tiny fingers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions when you're choosing a toy chest:

Select a chest that doesn't have a top, or uses sliding panels instead.

If the chest does have a lid, make sure it can be removed and is lightweight.

A chest with a hinged lid should have a support that prevents it from closing at any angle.

Choose a chest with edges that are rounded or padded.

Make sure the chest has holes for ventilation in case your child climbs inside, and that the lid doesn't latch closed.